(Longmont, CO) – The trailblazer of the canned craft beer revolution, Oskar Blues Brewery has continued its growth pattern posting a 50 percent increase nationally in shipments in Q1 2011 vs. Q1 2010.
First quarter Colorado IRI data confirms Oskar Blues as the leader in Dollar Sales Increase, Case Sales Increase and #1 Brand Sales Increase with Dale’s Pale Ale (70% increase).
Capacity Expansions
To continue to trump demand and position the funky brewery for another explosive year for craft canned beers, the brewery will further its infrastructure while brewing more consistent quality beer than ever before. Two 200 BBL fermenters were installed today, as was a Wort Receiver, which will allow 20 percent more brews per day. In February, the brewery installed a 200 BBL fermenter and a 200 BBL bright tank as well as a new keg line and Hi-Cone six-packing machine. Oskar Blues was scheduled to have the two tanks delivered in March but plans went awry when they were damaged in transit. The two 200BL replacement tanks for damaged tanks are scheduled to arrive next month.
The expansion will enable the brewery to reach for 60,000 BBLs in 2011, compared to 44,000 barrels in 2010. In 2010, Oskar Blues had added a total of seven 200-barrel tanks in 60 days attempting to keep up with demand while pulling out of two markets.
ABOUT OSKAR BLUES
Three-dimensional brewing since 1999, Oskar Blues began the “Canned Beer Apocalypse” in 2002 when Dale’s Pale Ale became America’s 1st CANNED craft beer. For additional info, interviews, images or samples please contact Chad Melis at chad@oskarblues.com, # 720.273.8888 or visit www.oskarblues.com.
[Disclaimer: Beernews.org is a leader in craft beer news and is the original source of this article. If you would like to check out more, please visit the original site. Thanks!]
(Longmont, CO) – The trailblazer of the canned craft beer revolution, Oskar Blues Brewery, has continued its growth pattern posting a 60 percent increase in shipments in January 2011 vs. January 2010.
While 2010 proved to be one of the most challenging years for the beer category in recent memory, craft beer appears to be the exception to the rule. Craft beer was the only segment to increase its case and dollar sales by double-digit percent increases while canned craft beer made a significant splash for the first time since Oskar Blues started the trend eight years ago. Since 2007, canned craft beer sales have grown six-fold, and the number of craft brewers canning beer has eclipsed the one hundred mark.
In 2010 Oskar Blues demand exceeded supply at times. To trump demand in what looks to be a stellar 2011 the brewery’s immediate focus is furthering its infrastructure while brewing more consistent quality beer than ever before. Two weeks ago, the brewery installed a 200 BBL fermenter and a 200 BBL bright tank in the first of three capacity increases scheduled for early this year. Oskar Blues also has four more 200 BBL fermenters scheduled for arrival over the next two months in addition to installing a new keg line and Hi-Cone six-packing machine.
The continued investments in quality control, infrastructure and people have positioned the funky brewery for another explosive year for craft canned brews led by the original; Dale’s Pale Ale.
Set in the heart of Colorado craft beer country, Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons began canning its beers in November of 2002 with a hand-canning line in the 60- year-old barn next door to their funky little brewpub. Although it’s now a full- throttle canning operation that is quickly expanding its cult-like following across the nation, Oskar Blues remains true to its original mission of simply blowing minds with what can come out of a can of beer.
[Disclaimer: Beernews.org is a leader in craft beer news and is the original source of this article. If you would like to check out more, please visit the original site. Thanks!]
(Longmont, CO) – July 29th – Oskar Blues Brewery has announced its’ final of three planned expansions during a three month period. The status-quo-crushing brewery has increased its internal investments with two more massive 200-barrel fermenters to its ever-expanding arsenal. The new tanks will allow Oskar Blues’ most recent canned monstrosity, a 100 IBU and ten percent ABV Imperial IPA hop grenade, dubbed GUBNA, to go from seasonal to year-round status.
“It’s always been about pushing boundaries and providing the best possible beer experience” says founder Dale Katechis. The intense demand for GUBNA has led Oskar Blues to expand its offering from a seasonal brew to a year round go-to IPA. “We’re driven to continue to destroy the barriers of what folks expect from a canned beer,” says Oskar Blues head brewer Dave Chichura. “GUBNA’s intense demand is due to its unique take on the style and is no doubt the hoppiest beer in a can. GUBNA celebrates the simple complexity of each ingredient with a distinctly smooth mouth feel and crisp hop aroma.”
GUBNA emphasizes that complexity of character can arise from simple elements. This ale is made with three malts and one hop. Its light amber color and spicy malt character are derived from the use of German dark Munich malt and rye malt respectively. The GUBNA Imperial IPA greets beer drinkers with a pungent citrus blast, provides a spicy, yet round middle, and finishes with a brisk, clean bitterness. Charlie Papazian waxes poetic about GUBNA Imperial IPA: “Profound & Complex hop character engages philosophic and woozy reminders of the life’s joys.”
Check out the GUBNA Launch Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMAtze-BAfM
Today’s expansion follows May and June’s, bringing the Oskar Blues tally to seven 200-barrel tanks in the last 60 days. Each 200-barrel fermenter adds 400 barrels of capacity per month and brings their current capacity to 5,500 barrels per month.
The additional infrastructure will enable Oskar Blues to continue its extreme growth trajectory that has crushed strong industry trends. 2010 production is anticipated to come in at 44,000 barrels, a whopping increase over the company’s 2009 production of 29,500 barrels.
Set in the heart of Colorado craft beer country, Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons began canning its beers in November of 2002 with a hand-canning line in the 60- year-old barn next door to their funky little brewpub. Although it’s now a full- throttle canning operation that is quickly expanding its cult-like following across the nation, Oskar Blues remains true to its original mission of simply blowing minds with what can come out of a can of beer.
[Disclaimer: Beernews.org is a leader in craft beer news and is the original source of this article. If you would like to check out more, please visit the original site. Thanks!]
